News from the Morgan Adams Foundation

Medulloblastoma is a type of malignant brain tumor that is typically diagnosed in children and adolescents. It is one of the most common brain tumors seen in kids and accounts for 15-20% of all pediatric brain tumors. Medulloblastoma tumors usually form in the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls balance,…

Cancer is caused, generally, by genetic mutations starting in individual cells. A mutation changes how the body’s cells work, which can cause cells to multiply uncontrollably. Cancer typically requires multiple gene mutations. For the past several decades, scientists have been investigating the genetics of cancer and have identified many tumor-specific genetic markers. These tumor-specific markers…

Because of generous donor support, these eight clinical trials are helping kids with cancer right now: Newly diagnosed diffuse midline glioma Newly diagnosed or recurrent adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma Recurrent or progressive low- or high-grade glioma with BRAF mutation Relapsed posterior fossa ependymoma Infiltrative high- and low-grade glioma Recurrent ependymoma Group 3 and 4 medulloblastoma MYC-driven medulloblastoma…

As technology continues to advance and researchers learn more about how specific types of cancer form, grow, and respond to treatment, an increasing number of specific subtypes of cancer are being identified. The primary advancement in classifying all types of cancer currently comes from molecular profiling. Pediatric cancer is no exception and many new brain…

A child who is diagnosed with cancer has their life turned upside down by appointments, treatments, pain, side effects, hospital stays, and innumerable missed milestones, school days, events, and activities. For kids with cancer, it is especially important to prioritize general well-being and their ability to enjoy daily life. Donor support of The Morgan Adams…

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is an inherited genetic disorder that leads to the formation of tumors on the peripheral nervous system, called plexiform neurofibromas. Plexiform neurofibromas are often benign, but they can transform into fatal malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). Plexiform neurofibromas typically develop during childhood and early adulthood. They occur in various parts…

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a rare and highly aggressive pediatric brain tumor. It typically affects kids 3 years and younger. The 5-year overall survival rate for kids with ATRT is about 30%. The standard treatment for ATRT is chemotherapy and radiation, which can improve outcomes, but leaves kids with significant long-term side effects. The…

What is artificial intelligence? Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that can simulate human intelligence characteristics including learning, predicting, analyzing, and deriving solutions using data. AI was first defined in 1956, but the use of the technology was limited through the early 2000s due to poor computer performance and other economic factors. In the 2010s,…

Brain and spine tumors are one of the most common forms of cancer found in kids, second only to leukemia. Despite significant advances in treatment, brain tumors remain the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. The kids who do survive often suffer from long-term side effects from treatment, and face the risk of recurrence…

More than a dozen doctors and researchers from the Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program were invited to present their work at the largest global conference in pediatric neuro-oncology. The 20th International Symposium on Pediatric Neuro-Oncology was held June 13-15 in Hamburg, Germany. ISPNO is the major global meeting for the international community…